Microsoft Band fitness device arrives for $199

Microsoft Corp launched a device called “Microsoft Band” that will allow
users to monitor their fitness and exercise regime, marking the world’s
largest software company’s debut into the wearable technology market.

The
wrist-worn device has sensors that monitor pulse rate, measure calorie
burn and track sleep quality, Microsoft said in a blog post.

Microsoft said the device will be available in the United States in limited quantities from Thursday for $199.

Apple
Inc unveiled a smart watch on Sept. 9 that will combine health and
fitness tracking with communications and will go on sale in early 2015,
while Samsung Electronics Co unveiled its Galaxy Gear smart watch in
September 2013. The Apple Watch will be priced at $349.

Microsoft
also launched a health app called “Microsoft Health” that includes a
cloud service for users to store and combine health and fitness data.

The
Microsoft Health app will collect data from the fitness band and will
work on iPhones and Android smartphones, as well as its own Windows
Phone.